Scott Niedermayer back practicing with Ducks

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Defenseman Scott Niedermayer, who
helped the Anaheim Ducks claim their first Stanley Cup title
last season, will be back at practice on Thursday after
deciding against retirement.

Niedermayer, 34, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most
valuable player of the 2007 playoffs, announced this week he
was returning to play with Anaheim.

"We are very pleased Scotty has chosen to come back," Ducks
general manager Brian Burke told a news conference before
Wednesday's 4-1 win over Buffalo.

"He earned the right to take time making a decision, one
that was clearly difficult for him."

Niedermayer had 15 goals and 54 assists for 69 points in 79
regular season games last season to lead NHL defensemen in
scoring and was a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy
as the league's top defenseman.

"I'm excited to be rejoining my team mates and getting back
on the ice," said Niedermayer, who also won three Stanley Cups
with the Devils after making his league debut with New Jersey
in the 1991-92 season.

Niedermayer, who had two years and $13.5 million remaining
on his contract, was suspended by the Ducks without pay after
he did not report to training camp.

Burke said given his "conditioning fanaticism," the
defenseman could be ready to play soon.

"My guess is ... we're looking at 7-10 days and then you
could see him in a game next week," Burke said.

"He's made it clear his commitment to come back is for this
season only and I've made it clear we're not going through this
same dance again."